Definition and Context:
The term "selfishly" refers to actions or attitudes that prioritize one's own interests, desires, or well-being over those of others, often at the expense of others. In the biblical context, selfishness is generally viewed as contrary to the teachings of Scripture, which emphasize love, selflessness, and service to others.

Biblical References and Themes:

1. Selfish Ambition:
The Bible warns against selfish ambition, which is often linked to discord and strife. In Philippians 2:3, Paul exhorts believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This verse highlights the importance of humility and the need to prioritize others over oneself.

2. Love and Selflessness:
The greatest commandments, as taught by Jesus, emphasize love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Selfishness is antithetical to this love, which requires putting others' needs and well-being first. In 1 Corinthians 13:5, love is described as "not self-seeking," underscoring the selfless nature of true love.

3. The Example of Christ:
Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of selflessness. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Christ, though in the form of God, "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant," and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. Believers are called to emulate this selflessness in their own lives.

4. Warnings Against Selfishness:
James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This passage links selfishness to chaos and moral decay, indicating the destructive nature of prioritizing self over others.

5. Generosity and Sharing:
The early church is depicted as a community that shared everything in common, as seen in Acts 4:32-35. This communal lifestyle reflects a rejection of selfishness and an embrace of generosity and mutual care.

6. The Rich Fool:
In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who hoards his wealth without regard for others or for God. The parable serves as a cautionary tale against selfishness and the folly of storing up treasures for oneself without being "rich toward God."

7. The Call to Serve:
Jesus taught His disciples that greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by one's willingness to serve others. In Mark 10:43-45, He states, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all."

Practical Implications for Believers:

Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and actions, ensuring they align with the biblical call to selflessness. This involves actively seeking the welfare of others, practicing generosity, and serving within the community of faith. By doing so, Christians reflect the character of Christ and fulfill the law of love.(adv.) In a selfish manner; with regard to private interest only or chiefly.2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition
... Word Origin from erithos (day-laborer) Definition rivalry, hence ambition NASB Word
Usage disputes (2), selfish ambition (3), selfishly ambitious (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2052.htm - 7k

Seek First the Kingdom.
... Instead of accounting that there is any reasonableness in such trust in God as is
shown in this lesson they would fain be selfishly taking upon themselves the ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/seek first the kingdom.htm

The Rich Fool
... In that requirement the selfishly used wealth will be 'a swift witness against'
him, and instead of ministering to life or ease, will 'eat his flesh as fire ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the rich fool.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... But selfishness marred the divine plan, and Israel became a nonconductor, and the
privileges selfishly kept became corrupt; as the miser's corn stored in his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

Prayerfulness.
... But what is "true prayer"? In the first place, it is prayer which says, "Thy will
be done." If we pray selfishly, "asking amiss," we can hope for no answer. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter ix prayerfulness.htm

The Story of Jacob
... It was not right for Jacob to deal so selfishly with his brother; but it was very
wrong in Esau to care so little for his birthright and God's blessing. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jacob.htm

First Day. Compassion.
... Property and wealth are talents to be traded on and laid out for the good of
others"sacred trusts, not selfishly to be enjoyed, but generously to be employed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/first day compassion.htm

Chapter thirteen
... O Virginia, to think that we have all these years enjoyed our beautiful home and
all these luxuries selfishly, forgetful of the multitudes like this woman! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter thirteen.htm

A Heart-Breaking Verse.
... respectably wide crack. We all like the word Saviour. Yes, we cling
tenaciously to that. Selfishly, would you say? We want to be ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/a heart-breaking verse.htm

The Threefold Cord of Jesus' Life.
... Because it has been proven by actual test that he will use everything only
for the best interests of his house, and not selfishly. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the threefold cord of jesus.htm

A Fence of Trust.
... some folks ought to worry more." Of course he meant that some people should bear
their share of the responsibilities of life, instead of selfishly and lazily ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/a fence of trust.htm

Selfishly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a selfish manner; with regard to private interest
only or chiefly. Multi-Version Concordance Selfishly (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/selfishly.htm - 6k

Selfish (14 Occurrences)

/s/selfish.htm - 10k

Devour (118 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To seize upon and destroy or appropriate greedily, selfishly, or wantonly;
to consume; to swallow up; to use up; to waste; to annihilate. ...
/d/devour.htm - 37k

Selfishness (4 Occurrences)

/s/selfishness.htm - 7k

What is finite godism? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of Philippians 4:6? | GotQuestions.org

What are the most common things people think are in the Bible that are not actually in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Selfishly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus